Synthesis of metal-doped nanoplastics and their utility to investigate fate and behaviour in complex environmental systems.

ABSTRACT: Research on the distribution and effects of particulate plastic has intensified in recent years and yet, due to analytical challenges, our understanding of nanoplastic occurrence and behaviour has remained comparatively elusive. However, process studies could greatly aid in defining key parameters for nanoplastic interactions within and transfers between technical and environmental compartments. Here we provide a method to synthesize nanoplastic particles doped with a chemically entrapped metal used as a tracer, which provides a robust way to detect nanoplastics more easily, accurately and quantitatively in complex media. We show the utility of this approach in batch studies that simulate the activated sludge process of a municipal waste water treatment plant and so better understand the f

SUBMITTER: Mitrano DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6451641 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature